Tutorials · PC
Steam Deck: check a game’s Deck Verified compatibility
A game is available on Steam, but will it suit the way you use your Steam Deck? Deck Verified status is a starting point. Read the compatibility details and limitations to make a decision based on more than a badge.
Before you start
Steam Deck LCD and OLED. Valve states that reviewed games have the same compatibility rating on both models. You need access to the exact game’s Steam library or store page and its current compatibility information.
1. Find the exact game on Steam
Open the game’s page in your Steam library or the store. Check its exact title and, where several editions or versions exist, make sure you are reading the one you intend to use.
Start with one game and a practical question. Do you need controls suited to handheld play, readable text or a launch process without extra interaction? This question will help you interpret the relevant details.
2. Read the Deck compatibility category
- Verified: the game meets Valve’s criteria for a suitable Deck experience.
- Playable: some extra interaction or configuration may be needed.
- Unsupported: Valve currently classifies it as not functional on Deck.
- Unknown: Valve has not yet reviewed it.
Valve describes these four categories on its official Deck Verified page. Unknown is therefore neither approval nor proof that the game is incompatible.
3. Open the compatibility details
From the library or store page, inspect the reviewed title’s compatibility details. Valve considers input, display, the overall experience and technical support, including Proton when it is used.
For a Playable title, read the notes instead of stopping at the symbol. Valve’s examples include manually selecting a controller configuration or using the touchscreen in a launcher.
Decide whether that limitation is acceptable for your situation. An occasional extra step may be fine at home but less suitable if you want something immediately accessible during a short journey. Your intended use should guide the choice.
4. Turn the rating into a useful decision
Expected result: you can explain the game’s status and any required actions, then decide whether it fits the way you want to play.
Before downloading, note the point that matters to you and what the compatibility details say about it. For example: “I want to use only the built-in controls; here is the information for this game.” This is more useful than remembering only a colour or an old opinion.
The classification is not a numerical promise about frame rate, battery life or personal comfort. If you need a particular performance level, look for information that actually measures that criterion for the game and settings concerned.
Valve also lets you filter library games by compatibility. This can help you choose among games you already own when you want to spend less time experimenting.
If the status does not answer your question
- Unknown status: do not turn it into “works perfectly.” Keep that uncertainty in your decision.
- Older advice disagrees with Steam: compare dates and game versions, then consult the current status.
- Playable status: identify the precise caveat and decide whether you accept the extra step.
- Your result differs: record the version, settings and symptom to support a targeted diagnosis.
Valve can reassess games as they change. An old screenshot or static list is not a permanent guarantee. Keep the game page’s link so you can check again when you are ready to play.
Sources and scope
Translated from the French guide based on official documentation checked on 2026-10-15. This guide does not claim physical testing on your equipment. LODEX’s preparation and result checks are practical advice; follow any warnings shown by your device.
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